Sony DCR-HC26 Camcorder Review

The Front (7.5)
The front of the Sony DCR-HC26 features a 20x optical Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with a diameter of 25 mm. The focal length on this lens is 44-880mm with an aperture range of f/1.8 to f/3.1. The lens is positioned in the upper left corner of the front face. To the right of the lens users will find a glossy black plastic surface which masks the infrared port for the DCR-HC26. Beneath the infrared port is the only audio option, the in-camera stereo microphone. Last year’s HC21 (Review, Specs, $329), which the HC26 is replacing, had a built-in lens cap; this model, for better or for worse, does not.

The Right Side (8.75)
The plastic making up the right side of the Sony DCR-HC26 seems to be less than durable and will probably show everyday wear and tear. There is a slightly textured surface where the palm of the right hand is placed, suggesting the idea of grippability. In fact, it adds none. It would be nice to see a sturdier plastic composite that could take a beating, considering that the cam’s small size will likely find it in a cluttered purse or backpack rather than a camera bag.. There is an adjustable Velcro strap which horizontally spans the right side of the camcorder body. A leather pad is attached to this strap for a comfortable fit for users of many different hand sizes.

The primary feature on the right side is the top-loading MiniDV tape compartment which is opened via a switch located on the top of the camcorder. Towards the front of the right side, users will find three ports masked neatly by a port cover attached on the edge of the front cover of the body. There is a USB mini-B port, a DV-in/out FireWire port, and an A/V-out port located beneath the cover. These ports are easy to access and clearly labeled so users shouldn’t find this layout confusing or complicated even with the tape compartment open.

The Back (7.0)
The back of the Sony DCR-HC26 contains a small Electronic Color Viewfinder in the upper left corner. This feature, while small and primarily unusable, isn’t nearly as bad as the offering found on the Canon ZR500 (Review, Specs, $224.8). The viewfinder on the HC26 can extend out from the body of the camcorder, although it cannot angle up or down from this position. The extendibility of this feature allows users to engage it easily, even when the battery pack is in place directly below. The viewfinder adjustment lever is located on the right side of the viewfinder and allows users to alter the focal distance within the viewfinder feature. You’ll be happy to know that this is a color viewfinder, a distinct improvement over last year’s black and white viewfinder.

As mentioned above, the battery is positioned directly below the viewfinder. It may be removed by holding the Battery button down while pulling outwards on the battery pack. The polished silver mode dial is located in the upper right-hand corner and controls whether the camcorder is off or on, and whether the camcorder is in Record or Playback mode. To switch between Playback and Record modes the user must merely pivot the mode dial to the left, a movement which selects the MODE setting. This prompts an LCD message of “Play/Edit” or “Camera” white-on-blue, strongly reminiscent of Doogie Howser, M.D. The DCR-HC26 salutes you, Doog’.

To the right of the battery pack and located for comfortable access with the thumb of the right hand is the Record Start/Stop button. And finally, at the bottom of the back and to the right of the battery is the DC-in port, which has a rubber port cover. All controls are labeled with full text labels in white, although the wording of these labels is not raised and they may wear off over time.

The Left Side (6.0)
The left side of the Sony DCR-HC26 features a 2.5-inch, 123,200 pixel LCD screen which opens by pulling the LCD from its back vertical edge. The screen opens easily and cleanly, connected via a hinge at the front of the camcorder body. This hinge is of sturdy design and should be able to take some abuse. When open, the screen can swivel 270 degrees and may be closed facing outward from the camcorder body. When the screen is rotated 180 degrees, users will find that the image flips so you can see yourself rightside-up.

There are three controllers located to the left of the screen on the LCD panel – redundant controls for zoom and Record Start/Stop. The primary controls are located on the top and back. Redundancy might seem unnecessary when the camcorder is so small, but they may come in handy when shooting from in front of the lens.

In the LCD cavity, users will find an in-camera speaker for audio playback during video review. While not an accurate vehicle for properly gauging audio levels and other audio attributes, this feature will at least assure the user that audio is, in fact, being recorded. Adjacent to the top of the in-camera speaker, users will find the control reset button for the HC26.

Above the LCD screen on the exterior of the camcorder body are the Backlight List, the Display/Battery Info, and the Easy buttons. The Easy Button has a blue LED in the center of the control for simple visual recognition.

The Top (6.0)
Starting near the front of the Sony DCR-HC26, users will find the Open/Eject slider which opens the MiniDV tape compartment situated beneath it. Also on top is On/Off switch for NightShot Plus. Behind this is the Zoom Toggle, which is smooth and sensitive enough to allow both extremely quick and finely tuned zoom control. Although it’s a sliver of control when compared to larger zoom toggles on camcorders made by manufacturers like Panasonic, the HC26’s toggle has a surprisingly comfortable feel and reactivity. This control isn’t in the best place and may force users with larger hands to readjust their grip for optimal control, though users with smaller hands should find it perfectly acceptable. Directly to the rear of the zoom toggle is the photo button for capturing still images to MiniDV tape.